The Washington-based Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries (ISRI) has announced its support of the Council of State Governments’ (CSG’s) unanimous approval of a resolution noting that scientific evidence should be paramount when assessing recycled rubber play surfaces. The resolution was presented to the CSG Energy & Environment Committee by Minnesota State Sen. Jeremy Miller in the context of recent debate surrounding the use of recycled rubber, especially given unsubstantiated reports regarding health concerns, ISRI notes.

The resolution, “Resolution on Utilizing Science-Based Evidence Related to the issue of Installation of Artificial Turf Athletic Fields Made of Recycled Rubber Infill,” calls for science to take precedence over conjecture in assessing recycled rubber and for the timely completion of the federal multiagency study that is currently underway.

“ISRI strongly supports and applauds the passage of this resolution, which will undoubtedly raise awareness among state legislators around the unsubstantiated nature of current claims made in the debate over recycled rubber,” says ISRI President Robin Wiener. “There are currently more than 90 peer-reviewed scientific studies demonstrating there is no increased health risk to athletes playing on artificial turf containing recycled rubber, without credible evidence to the contrary, and it is critical that this reality be made widely known to policymakers.”

Miller says, “As a parent and a legislator, creating a safe environment for our children to play in is a top priority. Recycling tires cleans up and preserves the environment for current and future generations. As we encourage children to take part in healthy activities and exercise more, the material from these recycled tires is a source for safe, accessible turf. Credible science has demonstrated this time and time again. It is imperative that fellow state and local lawmakers carefully review the facts when making any key decisions regarding our children and jumping to conclusions not supported by science.”

The CSG committee’s approval of the resolution followed a brief discussion on the issue and was endorsed by the CSG Executive Committee, ISRI reports.

As You Sow files resolution with McDonald’s for polystyrene use

As You Sow, a shareholder advocacy group based in Oakland, California, that promotes social and corporate environmental responsibility, has refiled a resolution with McDonald’s Corp., Oak Brook, Illinois, for 2018 urging the company to assess the environmental impact of its polystyrene use in beverage cups and food trays. The same proposal was voted on by shareholders earlier this year and received the support of nearly one-third of shares voted.

Polystyrene has been widely used for single-use containers across the world; but, in recent years, its negative environmental and health profile has led major companies to drop it. McDonald’s phased out its use for hot beverage cups in the U.S. in 2013, but still uses it in overseas markets.

Rarely recycled, polystyrene is found on ocean beach cleanups frequently, As You Sow says. The material breaks down into indigestible pellets, which marine wildlife often mistake for food. According to As You Sow, its hazardous constituent chemicals have been shown to accumulate water-borne toxins in a short time frame, and the International Agency for Research on Cancer, Lyon, France, has determined that styrene, used in the production of polystyrene, is a possible human carcinogen.

Nine countries and more than 100 U.S. cities or counties have banned or restricted foam packaging. Leaders of 15 major companies, including Coca-Cola, PepsiCo., Procter & Gamble and Unilever, all have recommended phasing out polystyrene for packaging applications.

“McDonald’s cannot afford to fall behind other companies in phasing out polystyrene,” Conrad MacKerron, vice president at As You Sow, says. “The McDonald’s brand is put at risk with branded cups found on beaches and waterways, where the environmental hazard they present is plain to see.”

Actiam, a responsible fund and asset manager headquartered in The Netherlands, co-filed the proposal. “We appreciate the steps that McDonald’s has taken to decrease use of polystyrene foam,” Maxime Molenaar, responsible investment officer for Actiam, says. “However, we are concerned about the continuing use of the material in some markets and the absence of a policy commitment to complete phaseout of polystyrene foam in packaging.”

JLens, a network of Jewish faith-based investors based in New York City and San Francisco, also co-filed the proposal. If the proposal appears on the company’s proxy, it would be voted on in May 2018.

Weir joined the company 34 years ago and held a variety of positions within the organization prior to serving as its sales manager. Before joining J&J, he worked at Solar Fuel and taught welding classes in the evening. He also served in the United States Army.

“I have enjoyed the work, the people and the challenges during my tenure at J&J, but I am excited about beginning the next chapter in my life,” Weir says. “I wish the company and its employees continued success.”

Weir also was an active member of several distributor councils, where he shared his experience and expertise in the truck equipment industry.

Since announcing his retirement, Weir has guided the sales team to ensure a smooth transition upon his departure, J&J says.

“Jim’s accomplishments and commitment to our company helped to increase our profitability, expand our product lines and allowed us to develop strong relationships with our customers and vendors. He will be missed,” says Bill Riggs, president of Somerset Welding & Steel.

A farewell event is planned for the evening of Feb. 2 in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.

J&J Truck Equipment supplies field-service crane bodies, air and hydraulic-operated lubrication service units, hydraulic systems, mechanic bodies, flatbeds and snow removal equipment. In addition, its service and repair department provides custom welding and fabrication, dump and trailer body repair and painting and a wide variety of other services.

Carl Gustaf Göransson, brand president for CNH Industrial’s construction equipment business, says: “We have been judged against the very best in the world, and the G Series has emerged as a winner: This prestigious accolade crowns Case wheel loaders’ long history of excellence as we prepare to celebrate this product line’s 60th Anniversary in 2018.”

Case says it credits the experience and resources of CNH Industrial’s Design Centre to achieve many of the advances that made the award possible.

The cab of the G Series wheel loaders features a revamped operator environment, controls and interface that make it the brand’s most intuitive and easy-to-operate loader line ever, Case says.

The visibility from the cab was of particular interest to judges, Case says. The one-piece windshield provides an unobstructed panoramic view to the front of the machine, while multiple rear-view convex mirrors, rear-view cameras, a slim engine hood and rear grid defroster offer visibility to the rear.

The cab interior has been designed to maximize space for the operator, Case says. The ergonomically designed joystick steering system provides a symmetrical operating station to control loader functions and machine steering, reducing fatigue.

Operator comfort and reduced noise and vibration are made possible by a suspended cab featuring an air ride active suspension premium seat and the positioning of the engine at the rear of the machine, the manufacturer says.

China issues new guidelines for export permits

According to a “Member Alert” dated Dec. 27, 2017, from the Institute of Scrap Recycling Industries, Washington, China’s General Administration of Quality Supervision, Inspection and Quarantine (AQSIQ) has issued new guidelines for exporters and suppliers applying for export permits to ship scrap into China. “Although not too different from current rules, there are some points you need to know,” ISRI states in the alert.

While ISRI says many of the qualifications remain the same, including ISO 9001 or RIOS (Recycling Industry Operating Standard) certifications, applicants also must achieve China’s environmental control standards (i.e., contaminants thresholds) and have radiation detection equipment at their facilities.

ISRI also says China will continue to inspect material before and after it is shipped and that the China Certification and Inspection Group (CCIC) will no longer be the only approved preshipment inspection company.

ISRI writes, “AQISQ lays out a process for third-party inspection companies to apply for a license from AQSIQ to conduct preshipment inspections but is clear that no processors may conduct inspections. These companies will also share the liability in the event material that was approved before shipment is rejected on arrival at a Chinese port.”

ISRI notes that “there is no specified time that a license will be issued, so we assume that the same guidelines should be adhered to apply not more than 180 days but not less than 90 days before a current license will expire.”

The guidelines take effect Feb. 1, 2018.

ISRI reminds its members “only companies ‘in the business of processing and utilization’ in China will be eligible for a scrap import permit,” and advises them to “be sure you know your customer.”